Principia College
Elsah, Illinois · Private
Principia College admitted 48% of 209 applicants (Common Data Set 2022-2023). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 990–1220 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 76% of students graduate within six years.
This college’s newest public report is from 2022-2023, so some numbers may be out of date.
Your chances at Principia College
Enter a score to see whether Principia College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (48%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Principia College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Regular decision
- Rolling admission
The application is free for U.S. applicants ($75 for international applicants), and Principia College accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Principia College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Principia College doesn’t report an early decision or early action round.
What admissions weighs
How Principia College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- GPA
- Interview
- Character
Important
- Test scores
- Essay
- Activities
- Religion
Considered
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- Legacy
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Not considered
- Recommendations
- Talent or ability
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
- Race or ethnicity
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.26 GPA.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $48,650 a year. After grants, students paid $14,904 on average.
Quick answers
What is Principia College’s acceptance rate?
Principia College admitted 48% of applicants: 100 of 209 (Common Data Set 2022-2023).
When is Principia College’s application deadline?
Principia College uses rolling admission for 2026–27 and has no early round on the Common App, so applying early in the fall gives you the best shot at open spots and aid.
What SAT score do you need for Principia College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 990 to 1220, with a median around 1105. A score at or above 1105 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Principia College’s application fee?
The application is free for U.S. applicants ($75 for international applicants) for 2026–27, and Principia College accepts the Common App fee waiver.
Does Principia College have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Principia College asks 2 questions of its own on top of the main essay (two essays, 250–500 words each). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
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